Single Publication

August 9, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 33,811 acres

Start Date: July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 39%

Total personnel: 812

Resources: 20 engines l 23 crews l 4 bulldozers l 27 water tenders l 9 masticators l 7 helicopters

Highlights: Helicopters conducted more water drops yesterday to fire to reduce fire activity. Smaller fuels are burning, but brush is still slow to ignite, which limits the ability of the fire to spread. Today and tomorrow will be cooler with slightly higher humidities before temperatures rise over the weekend. Firefighters remain ready for any potential changes in fire activity.

Today’s Activities: Crews are beginning soil stabilization work in areas impacted by the fire and fire suppression activities. Smoke may be seen from hotspots in the southwestern portion of the fire – the hotspots are well within the containment line. Fire crews continue to assess and improve existing and alternate containment lines. Structural protection resources remain on duty in the Agness area. Firefighters are ready to respond if there are any changes in the fire.

All motorists are asked to use caution when driving in the fire area – please slow down, use headlights, and watch for oncoming traffic.

Weather: Temperatures will be slightly cooler with moist conditions over the fire area. Winds will be similar to yesterday with a west-northwesterly flow in the afternoon. Thursday’s weather is expected to be almost a repeat of today. Higher temperatures and lower humidity will begin moving in Friday.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas. The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b74901f7?

Closures: The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads and a portion of the Illinois River. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake and Wild Horse Campgrounds and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all closed. The Chetco River Road (FSR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FSR 1407) are closed. The closure allows for public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River.

Evacuations: Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to

more information: https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 2 Public Use Restrictions. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/ueuznr6e

Please follow all fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Know before you go. Check on whether there are any campfire restrictions at your recreation destination.

Fire Information:(541)216-4579       Media inquiries: (541)237-6369      Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023           Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR